Risk flags and green lights are pattern-based signals that appear on every judge profile and inside the Case Outcome Predictor results. They surface specific arguments, procedural behaviors, and presentation styles that historical data has correlated with unfavorable or favorable outcomes before a specific judge.
Risk flags are identified by analyzing the full text of available tentative rulings and attorney observations to find recurring themes in denials and negative outcomes. A flag is generated only when a pattern appears consistently enough to be statistically meaningful — never from a single data point. Common flag categories include procedural flags (arguments rejected on procedural grounds before reaching the merits), substantive argument flags (legal theories that have underperformed even when the underlying law appears supportive), presentation flags (style-based observations such as excessive length or aggressive advocacy tone), and timeliness flags (late filings treated more strictly than the statewide average).
Green lights are the inverse: arguments, procedural approaches, or presentation styles that have correlated with favorable outcomes before this judge. A green light does not mean automatic success — it means this approach has a stronger historical track record.
Each flag and green light displays the number of data points behind it. Signals based on 3 or fewer rulings are marked as preliminary and should be treated as a caution or encouragement signal rather than an established pattern. Signals based on 20 or more data points are considered well-established.
How to act on risk flags. Review the risk flags when drafting your motion and again before finalizing your oral argument. Treat each flag as a checklist item. If your brief contains an argument type that is flagged, either address it preemptively in the brief or have a clearly articulated reason why this case is different from the pattern. Risk flags are not disqualifying — they are preparation prompts.